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To: muawiyah
There is a logical dilemma taken right from the Scriptures that has to be dealt with when it comes to baptism ~ John the Baptist, hardly a Christian, baptised Jesus Himself. So, if John could do it, then others can do it. Otherwise, you find yourself making an argument that Jesus' own baptism was without merit.

Jesus' baptism, by John, was without merit. Well, not completely, but it was not a Christian baptism. We are born lacking grace in our souls, having no divine spark within. Baptism cleanses us from this congenital condition.

Jesus, being God Himself, had no need for a Baptism in order to become filled with grace. He WAS GOD.

The Baptism of Jesus is one of obedience, and provides an example for us. But it was not an efficacious Christian bpatism.

The people baptised by John did not receive the Holy Spirit and were not cleansed of Original Sin. His baptism was purely symbolic and foreshadowed the Christian efficacious baptism to come.

Jesus did not become holy by His contact with water. Water became Holy by contacting Him.

SD

703 posted on 02/16/2006 1:27:18 PM PST by SoothingDave
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To: muawiyah
Luke 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

John the Baptist certainly understood the baptism he was offering to be different in kind from the one to come.

SD

707 posted on 02/16/2006 1:38:06 PM PST by SoothingDave
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